My Party: Oliver Preston

They grow up so fast. One day they're babes in arms, two years later they're little men and women. Sarah shares her party for her son: Oliver turned two and we celebrated with a "Little Man" backyard birthday bash. My husband actually gave me the idea for a "man" party because the other themes were too girlie.

I scoured blogs and websites for pictures from mustache parties and my friends were sweet to send decoration ideas. We went with a turquoise and red color theme. The invitations were fun to design on Photoshop. I dressed Oliver up in one of his Daddy's ties and had him hold a mustache on a stick and we had a photo shoot and went from there.

The dessert table was the most fun to plan. Oliver had a homemade chocolate and butter cream cake with a miniature pennant flag banner to match the big versions I sewed to hang on the fence. We served sugar "man cookies" decorated like ties and mustaches from a local bakery (One Smart Cookie), as well as homemade cupcakes and chocolate covered oreos. There was lots of red and turquoise candy to choose from as well. The cute cupcake toppers were inspired by some that I came across on TomKatStudio. Chocolate mustaches on a stick and marshmallow pops made for a very full dessert table. We also served croissant sandwiches, chips & dip, veggies, and fruit for lunch.

Oliver's fabric bunting birthday banner was inspired by his favorite phrase "oh wow" and was created from a lesson that Rachel Denbow (of Smile and Wave) taught in her HomeEc Class. The pom poms added great color to the yard (some of my sweet friends helped with those). The tie favor bags were an idea one of my friends gave me and they turned out fantastic.

We played "Pin the Mustache on Oli" with a magnet board since it didn't seem to be a good idea to hand a bunch of toddlers pins! We also had a bounce house from Gotta Bounce for entertainment. I made tie Oliver's birthday shirt and his little sister Isla Mae had a matching dress for the party. So many wonderful friends and family helped get the party together! Oliver had the time of his life.

My sweet friend Meredith photographed the party so that I could set the camera down and celebrate with Oliver. She did a fantastic job! Our dear friend Josh McKamie who is a film maker recorded the party and made the most spectacular highlight reel that literally left my husband and me in tears. Here is a link to the video:

It was a beautiful day that I will always remember! We are so very thankful for our sweet boy.

Thanks Sarah! Readers, check out all the beautiful details of Oliver's party at Growing Up Thompson.